New LVN! How do i get my first job?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 26, 2008

The only way to win it is to get in it. Start applying. You can begin by using your clinical experiences in school as nursing experience until you gain more skills under your belt. I don't see many issues since you are open to any shift and basically anywhere except home health. Start observing your area and see where the openings are for new LPN grads. Also, there is a regional forum where you can ask more nurses in your particular state what the pulse is for LPNs. Congrats on your license!

caliotter3 · Apr 26, 2008

Congratulations on obtaining your license. Just thought I'd let you know something that I experienced. I applied at two places where I initially wasn't given the time of day. One of these places for some reason, I reapplied to about 3 or 4 months after my first application. I think I had read on the application that it was only good for 30 days. I was interviewed and hired by the DON the second time around. She told me that she had not seen my first application! The job picture changed during that time and I was hired. At the other place, I just wrote it off when they didn't respond to my application. Then out of the blue, I received a call about five months after I had applied. By that time I was working elsewhere. So my advice is to get out there and apply for jobs. Reapply at these same places if you don't get a positive response after your initial attempt. Only way you will be hired is if you try, even if it takes persistence. Good luck.

MzMouse · Apr 26, 2008

I suppose it varies from area to area, but around here a new grad would have no problem getting hired in LTC. Find out as much as you can about the facilities around you. They can be a good place for a new LPN to get some experience. No one has to stay at their first job forever.

I would love to be able to speak Spanish! That is a terrific asset for a new nurse. I would certainly mention that on your resume and in your interviews. :)

deelpn85 · Apr 27, 2008

thanks for your comments. I hope all goes well.

GoldenFire5 · Apr 27, 2008

My LVN class graduated a little over a year ago. We all applied for hospital jobs, the only one who was hired in that setting was someone who had a family connection. The rest of us found work in home health, LTC, urgent care, and doctor's office settings.

Now that I have a year's experience, I've been able to do some hospice work and some other opportunities are currently (hopefully, fingers crossed) opening up for me as well.

Good luck to you.

BA.LVN · Jul 10, 2008

I too, am a recent LVN grad and passed my NCLEX.....should receive my license in the mail w/in a week and a half. I've been applying to positions as well, w/ no calls back....just wondering about home health....did you start out in home health as a new grad? Did they offer good training? I've been hesitant to even apply to home health b/c of my lack of experience and being a new grad....except I know one person in our class just got a job in home health....any advice? Thanks!!

benett · Jun 1, 2009

ME TOO...I just got my LICENSE and I cannot find anybody who hires NEW LICENSE HOLDER,It's so unfair.I have been to several places filled up apps, passed resume and NONE-called.

I also have a question,Im not sure what field to focus/specialize on,any suggestions? I also have a degree in CRIMINAL JUSTICE,and Im interested in combining both, like becoming a FORENSIC NURSE.